A popular weekend destination just outside of London has been ordered closed for fire safety violations, according to the Thames Centre Fire Dept. Trail’s End Farmers Market must remain shut until multiple requirements are met, leaving its operators, vendors and visitors in limbo. For decades, the market, between London and Thamesford, has been a southwestern Ontario weekend tradition. But – at least for the short-term – all outings here have been put on hold. With police standing by, fire chief Nick Dorken posted closure notices on the market buildings due to what he calls serious concerns. “There are a number of potentially catastrophic fire code violations and deficiencies with that building that led us down to this path.” The road down the path began last spring when a fire inspector, acting on a public complaint, visited Trail’s End. “We were looking at blocked exits at that time,” he confirmed to CTV News London. Over the next several months, additional inspections were carried out with multiple agencies assisting. At one point, indoor cooking facilities were ordered shut – a move Dorken states the business owner complied with. But shortly afterwards more concerns were noted. “And as the list grew, we reached out to our advisors with the office of the fire marshal, who then attended themselves,” said Dorken. After a two-day inspection, the closure order was posted. Those inside the buildings will now require the approval of the fire dept. Dorken says the decision was not taken lightly given the number of people who rely on Trail’s End for employment, food and services. He said the operator will determine the next step. “The ball is in their court right now to be able to come back to us with suggestions on how to make the building safe. And then we have the authority to decide whether that is the case or not.” Part of the concern, Dorken added, relates to a 1993 fire. That year, a large blaze destroyed most of the property. It was later rebuilt. “We do not want to be in the situation where we have another structure fire, especially given the amount of people that attend that location, especially on the weekends.” CTV News London reached out to representatives from Trail’s End for comment but we have not yet received a reply.
